For over thirty years, Point Park University has hosted International Summer Dance, a six-week intensive program offering conservatory style training to students in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance. Open to students ages ten and older, the program prepares students for a professional career in dance. Inviting talent dancers, teachers, and musicians from around the world, the rigorous program celebrates a myriad of cultures united by dance.
Susan Stowe, Artistic Director for International Summer Dance, says the program is different from others because their, “triple-threat approach provides students with the versatility they will need to be successful in today’s professional world.” Students undergo intensive technical training in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance along with opportunities to study Voice, Acting, and Music for Dancers. These classes will strengthen students’ dance technique while helping them develop the confidence they need to succeed in their futures.
Students take classes daily in the George Rowland White Performance Studio, a 44,000 square-foot dance complex complete with eight dance studios, dressing rooms, a performance space, barres, grand pianos, and a full-range sound system. A student’s day consists of a Ballet technique class in the morning, followed by electives such as Pointe, Pas de Deux, Singing, Acting, or Music for Dancers. Their day ends with Jazz, Modern, Tap, Pilates, and Yoga classes in the evenings, followed by rehearsals after dinner. As you can tell, the students take on quite a lot while in the program, but Stowe believes ISD will help students to, “explore their artistry, creativity, and musicality.”
Program Director, Michael Shahen, works alongside Stowe to provide their students with an, “extraordinary artistic, cultural, and educational experience.” The International Summer Dance faculty features nationally and internationally recognized teaching artists, choreographers, and directors. So students are sure to receive priceless knowledge and experience while studying under them. Along with the instructors, dance classes are accompanied by professional pianists and percussionists. The ISD ensures through this program that students will have all the tools and resources they need to succeed.
International Summer Dance ends with three fully produced performances that allow students to showcase what they’ve learned over the six week program. Junior and Senior high school students are also afforded the opportunity to audition for artistic admittance to Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts upon graduating. College credit is also available for Point Park students.
The International Summer Dance program at Point Park offers opportunity and growth for students looking to pursue a career in dance. With their state-of-the-art facilities, and their world renowned staff, ISD truly seems to be a beneficial experience for students. Stowe says students will find ISD to be, “enriching, fulfilling, and rewarding.”
International Summer Dance performances will occur July 25, 26, and 27 at the George Rowland White Performance Studio.
For more information, visit The International Summer Dance’s page.
Jade Goodes is a graduate of Penn State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While attending Penn State she became the Managing Editor for the school’s literary & arts magazine, Absence. Jade has been involved with the Pittsburgh theater community since elementary school, and has performed in many productions over the years. In her free time she enjoys reading and attending all the concerts she can.
Categories: Feature